Early bird

The wind has died away and the creek is glassy in the early morning light. It is supposed to be warmer today. A male cardinal was on the feeder quite early, in that usual suspicious hunch they get when they are perched there. I don't know if it is fear of predators or rivals. Several small flocks of Canada geese landed on the creek.

Somewhat later, a flock of blackbirds came through, accompanied by robins. I wonder if the robins are actually flocking with the grackles and red-wings? One grackle tried the feeder but was too heavy. Apparently that's enough to warn off the others. Meanwhile, the juncos and sparrows avoid the grackles on the ground. A blue jay checked out the scene and squirrels paid no attention. Chickadees also ignored the bigger birds and kept working the feeder.

Still later, the juncos and the finches battle over the feeder. So much for ground feeding.